Two charged after October apartment fire

Two people in Linn County face charges after an apartment fire in October.

The fire happened in at an apartment in Central City on Oct. 19.

Authorities say the fire happened because someone was trying to make methamphetamine.

Benjamin Smith, 24, and Steven Hotz, 31, are charged with first-degree arson, manufacturing methamphetamine in the presence of a minor, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, aiding and abetting in the manufacture of methamphetamine and a drug tax stamp violation.

Smith was injured when the fire happened.

Both are currently being held in the Linn County Jail.

Smith's bond has been set at $50,000 cash and Hotz's bond has been set at $90,000 cash or surety.